UC Cincinnati launches trial targeting joint implant infections

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The University of Cincinnati has enrolled its first patients in a clinical trial evaluating an investigational drug for prosthetic joint infections. 

T. Toan Le, MD, a professor in the department of orthopaedic surgery in the College of Medicine, enrolled two patients in Peptilogics’ Retain trial. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study is testing a peptide solution designed to penetrate biofilm in patients undergoing debridement, antibiotics and implant retention after total knee replacement, according to an April 10 news release. 

About 5 million joint replacements are performed annually in the U.S. and Europe, with 2% to 3% of cases resulting in infection. Current treatment often involves a two-stage revision surgery, which carries a failure rate of up to 25%. 

The trial will enroll 240 patients across as many as 50 clinical sites. Participants will be monitored for one year to assess infection persistence or recurrence. The peptide solution is applied for about 15 minutes during surgery, with half of patients receiving the therapy and half receiving a saline placebo.

The approach could expand the treatment window beyond about two weeks after symptom onset or the first month after surgery and reduce the need for revision procedures, according to the release. 

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